Sixth day of nationwide protests in the shadow of violent repression and internet shutdown
23-November-2019
Category: Freedom of Expression
Breathing in Confinement- Nationwide protests against the rise in gas price which was started on Saturday morning November 15, 2019, are still ongoing. After the intervention of Special Troops and Security Forces, however, a large number of people were killed, injured or detained. Since November 15, concomitant with the start of protests, the authorities of the Islamic Republic have completely disconnected the Internet service. According to ISNA, the decision was taken by the Supreme National Security Council.
“Security forces directly shoot on the protesters”, reported Breathing in Confinement- the news organ of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, based on the videos posted in virtual space. Local reports reveal that more than 200 protesters have been killed and Amnesty International has confirmed the death of 106 people.
“At least 106 protesters in 21 cities have been killed, according to credible reports received by Amnesty International,” announced Amnesty International in its statement released on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, on the fifth day of protests. Accordingly, Khuzestan Province with 32 and Kermanshah Province with 30 casualties are on top of the list.
The report citing the testimony of eyewitnesses corroborated by video footage reviewed by Amnesty International, reveals that snipers have shot into crowds of people from rooftops and, in one case, a helicopter.
In addition, on Sunday, November 17, 2019, on the third day of nationwide protests, Fars News Agency reported the detention of more than 1,000 protesters. Considering the ongoing protests, however, the real number of detained protesters, are likely to be much higher.